Players of all instruments and all skill levels are invited to join Bear favorites Jim Pittman and Patsy Kline they lead our spirited Bluegrass Jam. Jim, a sought-after lead and rhythm guitarist, has studied with some of the world’s finest flat pickers and has been influenced by the styles of Doc Watson and Norman Blake.

Don’t miss this celebration of Appalachian culture -- Old-Time Harmony with The Rosin Sisters. Barbara, Ann and Jan are sisters at heart who have played traditional music in the Atlanta area and beyond for decades, performing in a number of different bands. Ten years ago they formed The Rosin Sisters to further explore their love of the singing and fiddling heritage of Appalachia.

Feel like yodeling? Plan your day around John Lilly’s Yodeling Basics Workshop and prepare to be dazzled! John is a successful recording artist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and an interpreter of the American folk tradition. Specializing in American, country roots and traditional folk music, he was once a tour guide at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.

The UNG Pickin' Porch Jam is an ongoing activity associated with the Appalachian Studies Center at the University of North Georgia. Meeting weekly on campus, the players share and explore authentic Appalachian string band music. In constantly discovering and learning lesser known tunes, the group serves an important function in preserving and passing on a portion of our Appalachian culture.

Be sure to join us for a Bear Classic — the Traditional Old-Time Jam led by Walter and Jeanie Daves, two names synonymous with old-time music and contra dancing in North Georgia. The Daves have been playing old-time music together for over 25 years, have played for countless jams and contra dances, and have appeared on Dahlonega’s Mountain Music & Medicine Show and other variety programs.

Round out your weekend of mountain music with UNG Professor Barry Whittemore as he presents “A History of Old Time Appalachian Music.”

Well-versed in Appalachian history and culture, Barry is associated with the Appalachian Studies Center at UNG where his courses broaden understanding of southern mountain culture and bring the past to life.

The Skillet Lickers, including 4th-generation band member Russ Tanner, lead a tune-filled look back at the group's pioneering role in the country music recording industry, beginning with the 1924 distinction as Columbia Records' first rural recording artists.

Multi-instrumentalists Matt Levine and Jim Bennett present a lively journey from the beginnings of Bluegrass to its contemporary sound, as they sing and play a variety of instruments. Beginning with the classic style of the Stanley Brothers, they lead us through the development of Bluegrass up to the modern sound of Seldom Scene, with plenty of crowd-pleasing hits in between.

Adam Booth is a storyteller, musician and educator who is in Dahlonega this weekend as the featured National Storyteller for the Southeast Region Spotlight Event for Storytelling being held in connection with Bear on the Square.

Open Mic

Calling All Players And Singers! For the third year, Bear on the Square will host an Open Mic event. Here’s how it works:
When: Saturday, April 18
Time: 1:30-4 pm
Where: Uncle Dave's Workshop Tent on North Chestatee Street near the main entrance to Conner Memorial Park.